Ignacio Calvo de Mora has a unique perspective on his career. The 53-year-old Porto native, who serves as the director of Bodegas Benjamin de Rothschild & Vega Sicilia, often jokes about his refined palate. He fondly recalls his mother-in-law teasing him, saying he has a “champagne taste on a beer budget.” It’s a relatable sentiment for anyone with a love for the finer things in life.
As the head of Macán, the exciting joint venture based in Samaniego, La Rioja, Ignacio bridges the gap between two legendary wine families. His role is to balance tradition with innovation, ensuring that the wines produced in this collaboration live up to the high standards of both iconic names. It’s a serious job, but one he clearly enjoys with a good sense of humor.